Using Response-Time Constraints to Control for Differential Speededness in Computerized Adaptive Testing

Abstract

An item-selection algorithm is proposed for neutralizing the differential effects of time limits on computerized adaptive test scores. The method is based on a statistical model for distributions of examinees’ response times on items in a bank that is updated each time an item is administered. Predictions from the model are used as constraints in a 0-1 linear programming model for constrained adaptive testing that maximizes the accuracy of the trait estimator. The method is demonstrated empirically using an item bank from the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery.